Released 29 years ago today
Cloudy Cloud Calculator
Takako Minekawa · 1997
38 min · 11 tracks · indie pop
A whimsical blend of electronic pop and playful melodies that captures the essence of late '90s Shibuya-kei culture.
Top tracks — play these first
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Micro Mini Cool — Opening the album with its infectious beat and quirky lyrics, this track establishes the playful tone that permeates the entire record. Its catchy melody makes it a standout example of Minekawa's unique style.
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Kangaroo Pocket Calculator — This track cleverly mixes sounds reminiscent of childhood toys with rhythmic vocals, encapsulating Minekawa's whimsical approach to songwriting while reflecting Shibuya-kei's playful spirit.
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Black Forest — With a more atmospheric soundscape, this track showcases Minekawa's ability to blend electronic elements with emotional depth, offering a contrast to the lighter tracks on the album.
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Cloud Cuckoo Land — The closing track creates an expansive sound experience with layered vocals and lush instrumentation, leaving listeners with a sense of wonder typical of Minekawa's artistry.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases inventive compositions and a unique sound that reflects its Shibuya-kei roots.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with playful melodies, while the second half shifts to more experimental sounds and slower tempos.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt transitions and layered vocal harmonies that create a whimsical atmosphere.
- The use of electronic elements is prominent throughout, with synths and samples interwoven into the fabric of the songs, enhancing their playful character.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Micro Mini Cool 2:53
- 2 Milk Rock 3:44
- 3 Phonobaloon Song 2:32
- 4 Cat House 3:41
- 5 Cloud Chips 2:10
- 6 Kraftpark (Micro Trip edit) 2:58
- 7 Kangaroo Pocket Calculator 3:45
- 8 Black Forest 3:41
- 9 International Velvet 3:19
- 10 Cloud Cuckoo Land 4:59
- 11 Telstar 4:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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